Google Maps

Waze, the crowdsourced information service which brings you information about your commute, is looking for beta testers. Though the desired results aren’t exactly known just yet, Waze is set on making their product better. Though a big part of Google Maps, Waze still operates separately as well, so this program is likely to help users of both.

Google has recently begun rolling out a new version of Maps. This one bumps the version from 7.4 to 7.5 and it looks like it has brought Gmail integration. While Google has yet to offer a full changelog for this update, reports are beginning to surface. To that point, the mention of Gmail integration comes by way of the folks at Android Police who have offered a bit on how it all works.

Google Maps is great for exploring areas you may never get to, or scoping out those which you’ll be visiting soon. Often times, that requires public transportation. Google Street View is useful for checking out where you’re going, and getting good idea of what places look like, but what about when you get inside? It’s not always so easy.

"Outsmarting traffic jams" is every commuter's or driver's fantasy, but technology that offers that promise is only useful if it supports one's local roads. Luckily, Google is now making its new Waze-based feature available in 46 more countries, giving users of Google Maps a better chance to get home faster and safer.

Recently, Google took Offers away from the Groupon model and simply made it a portal for savings. Rather than pay for an offer which may or may not be redeemed, Google decided to simply make Offers available like coupons: save it to your device, then have it scanned when you go to the store. Now, that functionality will get a little richer with Maps integration.

Google is no stranger to the need to transforms raw data into more meaningful pieces of information. That is why it develops tools that helps ease that process, such as the new Google Maps Engine Pro that lets businesses visualize their resources by putting it right on the map.

Google has started to silently roll out an update to its Google Maps app for Android. While it is only an incremental update with no major new features, it does introduce some changes to how the data is presented that will make the app easier to use and easier to look at.

Though the move to cloud storage solutions is fast becoming the new normal, we still encounter the occasional automatic download on a mobile device. While the Downloads app has sat untouched for some time, that all could change with Android 4.4 KitKat.

Good news for Google Maps users today, as the Mountain View search giant announces a few updates for Maps. Since updating Maps after this years’ I/O conference, Google has been in a bit of beta testing for the popular service. Today’s announcement brings updates to search queries within Maps, and a better method for planning trips.

Back in May Google teased us all with a few details stating they were taking their Street View and Trekker program to one of the most beautiful archipelagos on Earth. That being the Galapagos Islands. Where we can enjoy the Sea Lions, some of the largest tortoises in the world, and clear sky-blue waters. Today the project is complete, and below is the entire stunning journey.